Dec 31, 2021 18:00:00

Apple's patent application reveals the possibility that 'the digital crown of Apple Watch will replace the optical sensor'

It has been revealed that Apple has applied for a patent to replace the 'digital crown', which is a crown-shaped button on the side of the main body of the Apple Watch, with an optical sensor. If the digital crown replaces the optical sensor, not only will it change the way you operate it, but it may also make your Apple Watch more durable.

United States Patent: 11209783

https://patft.uspto.gov/netacgi/nph-Parser?Sect1=PTO1&Sect2=HITOFF&d=PALL&p=1&u=%2Fnetahtml%2FPTO%2Fsrchnum.htm&r=1&f=G&l=50&s1=11,209,783.PN.&OS=PN. & RS = PN / 11,209,783

Apple wins a Patent for Replacing the Apple Watch Digital Crown with an Optical Sensor that recognizes user Gestures & more --Patently Apple
https://www.patentlyapple.com/patently-apple/2021/12/apple-wins-a-patent-for-replacing-the-apple-watch-digital-crown-with-an-optical-sensor-that- recognizes-user-gestures-more.html

New patent shows Apple Watch without a Digital Crown --9to5Mac
https://9to5mac.com/2021/12/29/patent-shows-the-apple-watch-digital-crown-might-be-replaced-by-optical-sensors/

The first model of Apple Watch appeared in 2015, and the latest model Apple Watch Series 7 appeared in 2021. Eight models have appeared in such Apple Watch so far, but each model has a physical button called 'digital crown' that can be used by turning and pushing.

According to Patently Apple , which reports Apple's patent-related information, the company filed a patent on December 28, 2021 for a new optical sensor to replace the digital crown. The patent filed by Apple with the US Patent and Trademark Office is named 'Watch with optical sensor for user input', and it is possible to operate the UI using the optical sensor. That's why Patently Apple is introducing a patent-pending optical sensor as a new sensor to replace the digital crown.

Apple said in a patent that replacing the digital crown with another sensor would make the Apple Watch more durable and allow more space in the enclosure for another sensor or battery. increase.

The patent-pending optical sensor is installed in exactly the same position as the digital crown.

The optical sensor can detect the user's movement, position, orientation, speed, acceleration, contact, fingers / hands / limbs, and can be used with or without direct touch. For example, the distance between the sensor part and the finger is measured based on the light source.

Apple Watch Series 4 and later models that support the ECG app have an electric heart sensor on the digital crown. Therefore, the patent document states that the patent-pending optical sensor will be equipped with functions to measure heart rate, respiratory rate, blood oxygen concentration, blood pressure, etc. as well as UI operation. The Wall Street Journal reported that the 2022 model Apple Watch will add new health-related features such as blood pressure measurement.

Note that Apple-related media 9to5Mac says, 'Please note that not all of Apple's patents are implemented in real products. And even if Apple decides to replace the digital crown, it's real. It can take several years before it becomes a product. '